Manual Transmission Clutch Assembly With Magnetoelastic Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining drive torque in manual transmissions are inaccurate, costly, and space-intensive, leading to jolting starts, undesirable load changes, and increased fuel consumption, as they rely on model-based estimates and sensitive sensors that require extensive testing and are prone to interference factors.
Innovation Solution
A clutch assembly with a ferromagnetic measuring portion on the transmission input shaft that uses a magnetoelastic effect to measure torsion, allowing for contactless and real-time torque determination through a sensor device integrated within the central release mechanism, which is compact and resistant to external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive torque sensors and cylinder pressure sensors are installed to measure drive torque, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque sensors and cylinder pressure sensors with a magnetoelastic measuring system. The transmission input shaft is made of magnetoelastic material that changes magnetic properties under torsion stress. This allows torque measurement through magnetic field detection rather than mechanical sensing, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the magnetoelastic effect where the magnetic properties of the transmission input shaft change in response to torsion stress. By measuring these magnetic parameter changes, the system indirectly determines torque values without requiring direct mechanical measurement, thus simplifying the sensing system.
2Measurement precision
If extensive series of tests are conducted to develop control algorithms, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetoelastic measuring system provides direct, real-time torque measurements from the transmission input shaft during normal vehicle operation. This eliminates the need for extensive separate testing campaigns, as the system continuously self-measures torque under actual driving conditions, significantly reducing development time while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If torque sensors and cylinder pressure sensors are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical torque sensors and cylinder pressure sensors with a magnetoelastic measurement system that utilizes the inherent magnetic properties of the transmission input shaft material. This substitution dramatically reduces component costs while maintaining measurement precision, as the measuring function is integrated into the existing shaft rather than requiring separate sensor installations.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are installed to measure operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function directly into the transmission input shaft by making it of magnetoelastic material. The shaft itself becomes the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensor installations and their associated mounting spaces. This integration approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing installation space requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides accurate, real-time drive torque measurement, reducing jolting and fuel consumption, and enabling improved clutch control, while being compact and durable enough for mass production without the need for complex adjustments or additional space.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission input shaft has at least one ferromagnetic measuring portion, the magnetization of which can be influenced in a magnetoelastic manner by a torsion of the transmission input shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clutch assembly for a manual transmission of a motor vehicle, having an axially running transmission input shaft which, by way of a clutch having a central release mechanism disposed on the transmission input shaft, is able to be coupled to a motor output shaft. The transmission input shaft has at least one ferromagnetic measuring portion. The magnetization of the ferromagnetic measuring portion is able to be influenced in a magnetoelastic manner by a torsion of the transmission input shaft. Portions of the central release mechanism surround the at least one measuring portion and has a sensor device which is specified for measuring a variable as a function of the magnetization of at least one measuring portion.